BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi and three security personnel were Tuesday killed when their convoy was attacked by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, days before the first-phase elections in the state. It's been proven once again on Tuesday when a landmine laid by the red terrorists claimed the lives of BJP MLA Bhima Mandavi, his driver and 3 security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district. Dantewada is part of the Bastar Lok Sabha seat which is going to polls on Thursday.

The incident occurred at Shyamagiri hills when the MLA's convoy was heading towards Kuwakonda from Bacheli area, which is about 450 km from state capital Raipur.

As soon as the incident came to light reinforcements were dispatched to the site, and a search operation has been initiated.

Dantewada is scheduled to go for Lok Sabha polls for the Bastar constituency on April 11. The authorities have assured that security preparations for the elections are adequate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet said, Strongly condemn the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh. My tributes to the security personnel who were martyred. The sacrifices of these martyrs will not go in vain.

Shri Bhima Mandavi was a dedicated Karyakarta of the BJP. His demise is deeply anguishing. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also tweeted The Naxal attack in Dantewada is very saddening. I pray that those killed rest in peace and their family members remain strong through this time of grief.

CRPF jawans in Chhattisgarh have been targets of Naxal attacks on several occasions, especially during elections.

A DD News cameraman Achutyanada Sahu was killed last year while covering the assembly elections.

President Ram Nath Kovind Tuesday paid a wreath at the memorial during a remembrance service that marks the annual "Valour Day" event of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The National Police Memorial, a 30-foot-tall and 238-tonne black granite structure. He also paid tributes to the police and paramilitary personnel killed in the line of duty, including the 40 CRPF men martyred in the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.

It was for the first time that the President visited the memorial located in Chanakyapuri area of the national capital. Kovind, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was accorded a "national salute" and presented a guard of honour by a joint column of troops from all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Director of Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain, Director of CRPF Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, other officials of paramilitary, police forces and the Union home ministry attended the even

Three women and thirty-one Naxal surrendered before police on Monday. Police said they laid down their arms before Sukma Superintendent of Police DS Maravi at Errabor police station.

All the naxals were low rung functionaries of the proscribed outfit and were involved in cases of loot, attempt to murder in areas like Manikonta, Gaganpalli, Kongdam, Mettaguda and Maraiguda villages of Errabor area. The Police said 17 of them had permanent arrest warrants against their names.